Jacob Leach - Guitar, Drums, Piano
Born and raised in Conroe, Texas, Jacob Leach has been playing guitar for ten years. At the age of 15, he got his first guitar lesson from his uncle, learning about "three chords and the truth". Largely self-directed in his musical education, Jacob developed a deep appreciation for structured learning and effective practice methods, which now form the foundation of his teaching. Becoming a teacher was an unexpected but very welcome turn in his life, making him a much better musician along the way. With a background in computer science and mathematics, he approaches music analytically while maintaining a strong focus on creativity and musical expression. Since he began his musical journey, he has picked up other instruments including bass, drums, and keys. Every day is a welcome challenge and brings new opportunities to learn and watch students grow and improve as musicians.
His teaching style often comes from the approach that music is a system of self-expression and unity, and that musical fluency comes from deeply internalizing fundamental concepts and skills until they become second nature. Musical communication and improvisation are profoundly important skills to Jacob, and as such, music theory is encouraged and nurtured, while working to build students' fascination and love for learning and performing music. Very often, his knowledge of computer programming is applied to the development of tailor-made tools and exercises that aid sight-reading, rhythm, and technical development.
Performing live with fellow teachers and students has given him many opportunities to demonstrate to his students what applied musicianship looks like, and how everything they learn in his classroom applies to the real world.
His musical tastes range anywhere from jazz fusion to soft pop to metalcore, including many international artists such as Stromae or El Cuarteto de Nos. Very few of his personal compositions or experiments fall into any particular genre; instead, they often explore whatever concepts he is currently studying or teaching. His greatest inspirations are artists such as Steve Howe, Victor Wooten, Danny Carey, Lol Tolhurst, Tyler Joseph, Adam Neely, and so many more.
Outside of the classroom, Jacob is an avid reader, creative writer, movie-goer, and hobbyist programmer. Nearly every moment not spent teaching is dedicated to learning or exploring new ideas in technical fields or in music.
Mr. Jacob teaches at our Bellaire studio on Tuesdays.
Why Choose AMA?
At the American Music Academy, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of making music. Our goal is to provide an environment of education that is welcoming to all ages. Coming from generations of musicians, founders Wyatt and Laura Coleman have hand selected a team of professional and passionate musicians to bring quality music education to Houstonians. Our faculty has instrument-specific degrees from acclaimed universities all around the country. Our teachers tailor their music lessons to each student based on their individual goals. We offer the most comprehensive lessons in Houston, which include theory, ear training, sight reading technique, performance skills, and repertoire. Our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities located in Meyerland include a comfortable lounge with free Wi-Fi, water, magazines, and toys for children to play with as they wait for their lesson to begin. Spacious studio rooms are equipped with quality upright pianos, music stands, and mirrors to monitor progress. The American Music Academy takes pride in supplying our students with the best upright pianos to practice their modern or classical repertoire. Students will be able to use the full capabilities of a piano including dynamics, pedaling, musical phrasing, and dramatic interpretation. Students will be able to participate in seasonal recitals at one of Houston’s many venues. Recitals, included in their tuition, display each student’s personal achievements in their instrument. Our students have the option to perform piano, guitar, violin, viola, voice/singing, cello, and drums!